After traveling around Asia for half a year, I’d like to recommend some lesser-known, beautiful, and easily accessible places.
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1. Myanmar – Hpa-an
Walking around Hpa-an, you’ll be amazed to find that it’s not the Myanmar you’re familiar with.
“OMG！It is another Myanmar！” fellow travelers all said.
In Myanmar, we often admire beauty created by people.
But the natural beauty of Hpa-an’s mountains and waters, enhanced by its temples, truly took my breath away.
And Saddar Cave in Hpa-an is highly recommended too！We first walk through a cave filled with many statues, and then what greets our eyes is such a mirror-like lake！
And Saddar Cave in Hpa-an is highly recommended too！We first walk through a cave filled with many statues, and then what greets our eyes is such a mirror-like lake！
Because the lake is located on a mountain, boating across it feels a bit like flying above the clouds.
How to get there?
Depart from Yangon and take a 5-hour bus ride to get there.
2. Malaysia – Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands sit at an average elevation of 1,600 meters, offering cool weather all year round. Due to its high-altitude location, the chance of seeing sea of clouds is very high.
There are several tea plantations here (some are accessible by foot), and enjoying highland tea, relaxing, and overlooking the lush tea fields at a plantation café is a true delight.
In addition, joining a hiking tour here gives you a chance to see the world’s largest flower: the Rafflesia (but they have a very short life cycle, blooming for only about five days, so whether you see one really depends on luck). When you smell a rotting flesh odor during your hike, it may be nearby.
How to get there?
Depart from Kuala Lumpur and take a 4-hour bus ride to get there.
Depart from Ipoh and take a 2-hour bus ride to get there.
Depart from Penang and take a 5-hour bus ride to get there.
Suggestion: Enter via Kuala Lumpur, visit Putrajaya & Batu Caves > Cameron Highlands > Ipoh to see murals and enjoy local food (if time is limited, you can go directly to Penang) > Penang to see murals, do café hopping, and watch a movie (Beanie Cinema is highly recommended)
3. Taiwan – Orchid Island (Lanyu)
Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung might already feel too familiar. But how many of Taiwan’s outlying islands have you visited?
Taiwan’s Orchid Island has retained much of its indigenous culture due to its inconvenient transportation. Before 2014, there wasn’t even a single chain store on the island.
The locals are simple and kind, and you’ll be touched by their friendly residents and crystal-clear seas.
If you think the carvings on the wooden canoe are beautiful, you might as well get a traditional Lanyu haircut on the island.
Many restaurants are located by the seaside, serving meals with breathtaking ocean views, making every meal taste especially delicious.
How to get there?
By boat: Depart from Kenting Houpihu (only from March to September) or Taitung Fugang. It takes about 2 hours.
Ferry services to and from Orchid Island are not fixed schedules. Therefore, if the minimum number of passengers is not met (notified seven days in advance) or due to bad weather, the ferry company may cancel the trip.
By small plane: Daily Air operates flights from Taitung Fengnian Airport.
Since each flight accommodates only 19 passengers and tickets are prioritized for local Orchid Island residents, travelers are advised to book at least two months in advance.
4. Thailand – Pai
Pai is a great place to slow down.
The night market in Pai may only have two streets, but its variety and creative vibe will make you want to come back again and again.
How to get there?
From Chiang Mai, it takes about 4 hours by minivan to get there.
5. Myanmar – Kalaw
Join a local 3-day, 2-night hiking tour from Kalaw to Inle Lake (though it’s called a hiking tour, you’ll spend more time on flat terrain than actually hiking, so no need to worry). You’ll see many rice fields (in November, you can watch farmers busy harvesting rice).
At night, you may have the chance to stay in a local home or temple. With no light pollution in the mountains, you can see countless stars.
How to get there?
From Yangon, it takes either 15 hours by bus or 28 hours by train to arrive. Whether by bus or train, it will be an unforgettable experience. The roads in Myanmar are very bumpy, making both modes of transport feel like a rollercoaster ride—but afterward, you’ll find yourself nostalgic for the rugged journey.
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= = =
Who says the fulfillment of a dream marks the end of life?
After working holidaying in Australia and busking on the streets.
In 2014, I set off again to do what I wanted.
Travel the world slowly, feel life. Play on a swing in places you love and record it on video. (Remember to turn the sound on.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es3y5rRQXnM&list=PLWoFtfuCwiZBHra_Lr8fqrHFaPBQ7Owva
If not you, who?
If not now, When?
By HKYOYOWING - Play yoyo everywhere
If not you, who?
If not now, When?
By HKYOYOWING - Play yoyo everywhere
https://www.facebook.com/hkyoyowing.page